Alex Carr's The Jaguars' Spot column for Wed., Aug. 26, 2009

Oh, summer, where did you go?

I don’t know about you guys, but the summer break went by so fast it felt like I slept in really late and woke up and it was all over. I mean, I barely had time to play a couple hundred hours of multiplayer Call of Duty 4 on my Xbox. Actually, I really did have a great break. Did a lot of cool things and I sure hope all you Jags and Jagettes had fun, too. Now, before we get into school stuff, let’s say goodbye to summer by hearing about what some of our fellow students did over the break.

For some Jags, the getting up early for school never really ended. Football players, for example, have been getting up at around 5:00 a.m. for what they call Breakfast Club, which mostly has to do with weight lifting and very little to do with eating McDonalds Breakfast Burritos. Then they take a break and come back later when it’s cooler for regular football practice. Most of them tell me they were sound asleep any time they weren’t curling a dumbbell or running plays.

Then there’s Lane Yarnell, who just moved to Valley Center and will be a junior this year at VCHS. Lane says that this won’t be her first time moving to a new school because she is, I would assume, since I’ve seen way too many summer teen movies, trying to stay one step ahead of international spies. Lane has some great tips for anyone who is in the same situation. First, try to make friends. Second, mae sure you always act just like yourself. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. You know, come to think of it, that’s always good advice. As for summer fun, Lane says she went to the Del Mar fair with her step-sister and they both got hypnotized for all to see and did some pretty funny stuff. Lane says that, all-in-all, she had a great summer and got a nice tan.

Nick Villemez, a sophomore this year, also went to the Del Mar fair and experienced bungee-jumping. He said it was really cool and it was an amazing feeling. When I asked him what he looks forward to in the new school year he said he really wants to make lots of new friends and help out any freshmen who might need it. See, freshmen? With Nick looking out for you, you won’t have any troubles at all in high school!

A sad lesson for all of us comes from another Jag I talked to this week -- one who I know would rather not have their name mentioned for reasons which will soon become clear. (Mr. Davidenaross, his name’s Jeremy Halligan, but doesn’t want it mentioned.) This student told me about being really excited about school last year, being determined to work really hard and not procrastinate on school projects and homework. But, unfortunately, after just a week or so into school, the student gave up. As a result, this student’s grades suffered. I know this student, and this is a REALLY smart kid, so it’s kind of tragic to just give up like that. So to all you kids out there, do those homework assignments, stay up an extra half hour to make that essay perfect. Our teachers LOVE giving out A’s -- as long as you earn them.

And, BTW, don’t you think I deserve a lot of credit for not only concealing the student’s name but even his gender. Oops!

Just one more thing:

Remember last week’s conversation with Principal Ron McCowan about freshmen getting involved and participating? Another really great way to do that is to attend all the fun FREE stuff the school has lined up for us. For example, on Sept. 18 after the first home football game, there will be an Ice Cream Social. This like an after-game party involving, of course, ice cream. Its a lot like an informal dance with music and dancing. A lot of fun and a great way to get out there.

Do you have a great idea for this column? Catch me on campus or shoot an e-mail to alex@carrfamily.com.

Read all of San Diego Press Club award-winner Alex Carr’s columns at www.carrfamily.com.